You will have a hard time finding a nation that’s crazier about sports than Ireland. Also, you won’t find a more unique sports scene than the one going on in Éire. At the forefront of all this are, of course, Gaelic sports. Slowly but surely, Gaelic sports betting has brought Gaelic football and hurling into the global limelight.
With that in mind, the NostraBet team decided to jump on the bandwagon. While understanding the rules of all Gaelic games is fairly easy, finding suitable bookmakers is not. That’s why we analyzed over 100 betting sites, paying attention to all the key factors, such as reputation, number of markets, odd quality, and more.
So, bear with us, and you’ll be primed to play at the top Gaelic football betting sites. And for good measure, we’ve also added some tips, as well as notable advantages and disadvantages. We believe that these are all the tools you need to enhance your betting experience. An bhfuil tú réidh? If yes, let’s go!
Gaelic Sports Betting Explained
Contrary to popular belief, Gaelic sports betting doesn’t require any special expertise. You also don’t have to adhere to any new markets, stats systems, or anything of the sort. Why do punters think it’s difficult to win at Gaelic football betting sites? Well, it’s mostly because non-Irish players haven’t been exposed to the wonders of these sports. They believe that there is a steep learning curve when it’s the exact opposite.
So, if you’ve ever bet on football, basketball, water polo, or any team sport that has halftimes, winners, points, and all the other basic features, you’ll be just fine. Of course, the first thing you should do is learn the rules. Thankfully, NostraBet has you covered. Check out our beginner’s guide to Gaelic sports betting. There, you will find all the essential info, along with the top competitions and some neat advice. Are you following us? If so, good! Let’s take a look at what constitutes the very best Gaelic football betting sites.
Recommended GAA Sports Betting Websites
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
- Among the Highest Odds in the industry
- Wide Variety of Sports Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Trusted Online Betting Website
- Licensed by the UKGC
- Best Sports Betting Features
- High Odds
- Trusted & Secure Online Betting Site
- Competitive Sports Betting Odds and Markets
- Great Range of Casino Games
- Professional Customer Support
- Fantastic bonuses
- Good sportsbook
- Amazing casino games
- Many payment methods
- Great range of Betting Markets
- A lot of Casino Games
- Generous Welcome Bonuses and Additional Offers
- Mobile App is Available
- Great Range of Sports Betting Markets
- Wide Variety of Casino Games
- Generous Bonus Offers
- Mobile App is Available
NostraBet is a big advocate of legal sports betting. Therefore, you should only consider licensed bookies. This is important because you are then entitled to representation and assistance if you feel like you’ve been wrong. The regulator will assess the situation and penalize the bookie if they are found to be at fault.
Also, these verified bookmakers have to have an in-depth collection of markets. Nobody wants to bet on the match-winner every single time. So, consider exotic bets and props when you’re on the lookout. It’s also worth mentioning that trusted betting websites should also have a good reputation. Even the strongest license cannot compensate because players simply don’t like a specific site.
With all this in mind (and more), NostraBet embarked on searching for the best Gaelic football betting sites. We’ve followed the odds, the markets, and everything else throughout a full season, and here are our results. The table above is the result of our research. These are all top online bookmakers and are well-liked by everyone. So, take a look around, take your pick and let the games begin!
- 1xBet Pros
- 1xbet has many betting markets for Gaelic Sports
- The odds for things such as Gaelic football are high
- You can use numerous deposit options to bet on Gaelic Sports
- Some of the features available at 1xbet can be utilized by Gaelic sports bettors
- 1xBet Cons
- You probably won’t be able to use a special promotion for Gaelic sports
- These sports offer fewer markets than others found at 1xbet
- Bet365 Pros
- There are several Gaelic sports betting options at Bet365
- The bookmaker has good odds for all of the Gaelic sports
- You can use different online payment options
- Bet365 Cons
- Bet356 has many promotions, but none of them is for Gaelic sports
- Betway Pros
- Betway offers several Gaelic sports
- You can use popular features while punting on Gaelic sports
- Customers can bet on Gaelic sports from the palm of their hands
- Betway Cons
- Despite the different promos, there aren’t any special deals for Gaelic sports
- 888sport Pros
- 888sport provides a decent number of markets for Gaelic sports
- The odds for GAA football and GAA hurling are good
- Punters interested in Gaelic sports can use different features
- 888sport Cons
- 888sport does not have specific bonuses for its GAA sports
- BetWinner Pros
- The bookmaker offers more than enough events for Gaelic football
- Good odds in comparison to other gambling sites
- You can use several features
- BetWinner Cons
- No bonuses for Gaelic football
- 22bet Pros
- Several Gaelic football matches
- You can use betting features
- The odds are usually good
- 22bet Cons
- You will only find a few markets for some Gaelic football events
What Betting Markets Are Available?
Like we’ve already mentioned, there’s nothing too unusual about betting on Gaelic football and hurling. Sure, the gameplay itself might be a bit of a shock to you, but you’ll fall in love with it in no time. So, what are the most common betting markets found at Gaelic football betting sites? We’ve picked the most common and most fruitful ones.
A quick tip: don’t resort only to one or two markets! Not only will mixing things up to make your betting sessions more fun, but you also won’t have to rely on a single bet for you to win. So, here are the bet types you should be keeping a close eye on.
Match-winner
This one is as simple as it gets. Out of the two teams facing off, you have to choose one that you think will win. If a team is a favourite, picking them will yield lower odds but with much less risk. Backing the underdog is much more perilous. However, you will win much, much more if your prediction turns out to be true.
Handicap
What happens when a team is so strong that they are almost guaranteed to win? Well, the bookies impose a handicap. This means that the favourite starts at a disadvantage, and the underdog starts with an added boost. Let’s give an example, shall we?
Dublin is facing Wexford, and they are the overwhelming favourites. So, a handicap bet gives them a 15-point disadvantage. This means that they have to win by 16 points or more for your bet to go through. Also, Wexford can afford to lose by less than 16 points (or win), and you’ll win if this happens. Handicap bets at Gaelic football betting sites are a great way to make a lopsided match more fun.
Half-time/Full-time Result
If you want higher odds and bigger potential winnings, you can also bet on the exact result. Obviously, this involves much more research, effort, and luck. While you may predict that Kerry will prevail over Cork, it’s much harder to predict the exact result. So, if you get things right, you’re looking at some juicy winnings.
Result betting doesn’t always have to involve the entire match. You can bet on how each half will end. Our advice is to save these markets for in-play betting. That way, you can analyze each team’s strategy and make a more accurate assessment.
Winning Margin
The previous market’s little brother, the winning margin bet allows you to predict the point difference in a Gaelic football or hurling match. Unlike the half-time/full-time result bet, you aren’t expecting the exact score, just the difference in points.
Let’s say you’re betting a Galway v. Limerick match to end with a 15-point margin. You will win in any of the outcomes that involve either team winning by 15 points. So, a 4-21 – 2-12 result will have the same effect on your slip as a 2-24 – 1-14 one.
Draw No Bet
Since draws are incredibly rare in footy and hurling, Gaelic football betting sites often add the ‘draw no bet’ market. This means that you get your stake back if the two teams end up with the same amount of points in the end. If your bet is part of a while parlay, then the market’s odds will be considered 1/1 and won’t impact your winnings.
Total goals – Over/Under
Both hurling and Gaelic football often treat us to games with lots of points. However, single-point scores are much more frequent than actual goals. So, you’ll often see bookies offering the over/under bet on total goals. The oddsmakers pick an arbitrary number with a .5 decimal (e.g. +/-29.5) just so the end result is either over or under said number. You can choose from these two outcomes.
First Team to Score
Nothing much to be explained about this one, right? Gaelic football betting sites often treat punters to this prop bet. It’s most often completely ambiguous, as there is no statistical way to prove which team will score first. Sligo, for instance, might be a worse team than Mayo. However, they might score a point before their opponents, only to concede a ton more themselves.
Futures
Unlike the other markets we’ve discussed, futures don’t relate to a particular match or something that happens during a game. Instead, you’re betting on the outcome of a tournament or competition in the future. For example, a future bet is when you wager money on Kerry to win the 2022 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. The outcome is far away, but the odds are often high.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gaelic Sports Betting
- Pros
- Great sports with a wide range of markets
- High odds
- Easy to understand
- GAA sports have very similar rules
- Cons
- Some betting sites don’t offer GAA Sports
- Some bettors may find it hard to learn the rules
Playing at Gaelic football betting sites (and hurling ones) has many advantages. You’re being introduced to a new sport, and you’re actually witnessing an integral part of Irish culture. Both sports are also incredibly fun to watch. Even the great Sir Alex Ferguson loved hurling and often motivated Manchester United players by showing them clips. Also, Gaelic sports are easy to understand and have very similar rules. If you know one, you know both.
As for the disadvantages, there are only a few. The most notable is that some big international bookies don’t cover Gaelic sports, as many non-Irish bettors consider them niche sports. Also, some bettors might find it a hassle to learn the ins and outs of a new sport. Despite all of this, NostraBet thinks you should go for it.
GAA Sports Betting Tips and Things to Consider
So, now you know how markets work at Gaelic football betting sites, and you know how to recognize a good bookie when you see one. If you’ve cast a glance at our beginner’s guide, you also know the rules. That’s a big accomplishment. Congratulations!
But don’t start shooting out bets like a machine gun. There are still some things you should consider and know. The NostraBet team believes these tips are the key to successful punts on Gaelic sports. Soak them in, and you’re all good.
We can’t stress this enough. You have to know the ins and outs of both Gaelic footy and hurling to be a proficient bettor. Study them thoroughly and watch a lot of game footage.
The odds don’t tell the whole story in some cases. Even though a team may be the favourite to win, a series of mixed results might indicate some problems. Also, the underdog might turn things around if the issues surrounding their team seem fixable.
Don’t rely on the eye test while watching game footage. Check websites that have stats on Gaelic sports and compare your observation to what the stats say. Even if a team won 5 games in a row, a leaky defence might spell doom against a proper squad.
Journalists and experts regularly post the latest scoops on their blogs or on social media. This includes injury reports, rumours, lineup changes, and much more. Oftentimes, these get posted on game day. Noticing them on time can save your parlays from surefire losses.
Live Betting on Gaelic Sports – Is It a Good Choice?
Most definitely! The very best Gaelic football betting sites offer everything a bettor needs. From excitement and pizzazz to lots of markets, you’ll be entering a sporting world like no other. If you like new challenges and stat-based sports, footy and hurling are definitely a good choice for you. You have our full support. Just adhere to our tips, pick an excellent online bookie, and be smart. There’s nothing to fear!
Is It Worth It to Bet on GAA Sports?
Whether or not you earn profits from betting on GAA sports is up to you. Choose the right environment, mix the markets up, and follow the stats closely. If you’re really determined to succeed, all of this will put you in the best position possible. The rest, however, is out of your control. Playing at Gaelic football betting sites is still gambling, after all. Anything can happen.
FAQ
Is betting on Gaelic sports hard?
Not at all. Just learn the rules, pick the best Gaelic football betting sites, strategize, and you will master everything in just a few weeks.
Are there any bonuses for taking punts on GAA sports?
Yes, most online bookmakers offer welcome bonuses for new players. You can use these promotions to place risk-free bets on Gaelic football and hurling. Just make sure the bonus is fair before claiming it.
Can I bet on the Provincial Championships?
Yes, bookies usually offer markets throughout the season, and you should definitely take advantage of them. Don’t just focus on the All-Ireland Championship.
What about the Joe McDonagh Cup in hurling? Can I bet on that, too?
Yes, even lower-tier competitions are popular amongst punters. Even the Christy Ring Cup and those below it are extensively covered by the bookies we’ve recommended.
Should I bet on futures when taking punts on Gaelic games?
Are there handicap bets for Gaelic sports?
Of course. Lopsided matchups almost always come with a myriad of handicaps included.